Autumn at the Arboretum
A Fall Fairy Tale
Autumn at the Arboretum is Dallas’ Favorite Fall Tradition
Presented By

When
Sep. 17–Oct. 31, 2022
“One of America’s Best Pumpkin Festivals”
– Fodor’s Travel
A Fall Fairy Tale
The 17th annual Autumn at the Arboretum, presented by Reliant, is upon us and we are excited to once again share 100,000 pumpkins, gourds and squash, hailing from THE pumpkin capital of Texas, Floydada, throughout the garden. This year’s theme ‘A Fall Fairy Tale’ features the return of Cinderella’s Carriage, along with themed pumpkin houses that make up the acclaimed Pumpkin Village, and of course, a maze for younger visitors. Other gourd-eous displays reimagine classic tales of Jack & The Beanstalk, The Three Little Pigs, The Sword in the Stone and One Thousand and One Nights.

Event Overview

Daily Programming
With beautiful sights and free & repeating activities happening daily, the Dallas Arboretum is your home this fall.
Member Mornings
Daily March 13–November 5
Take advantage of your membership with an early morning walk. Refresh and enjoy early access to the garden as we prepare for the day. No photography allowed.
Historical Tours
Monday–Saturday | 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Sunday 12–4pm
DeGolyer House
Visit the DeGolyer House for a tour of the beautiful, historic home while listening to knowledgeable docents speak about the history of the home and family.
Dallas College Cooks
Mondays | 11 a.m.
A Tasteful Place
Participate in this popular demonstration cooking class, taught by alum Chastity Alexander of Harwood’s Elephant East, to create healthy and delicious seasonal dishes your family will love! Two new recipes are demonstrated each month.
September: Roasted Beet Hummus with Baked Pita Chips
October: Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Mommy & Me Mondays and Tiny Tot Tuesdays
Presented by Kimberly-Clark
Every Monday & Tuesday through October 25 | 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Outside Pecan Grove
Children’s Activities include Country Critters Petting Zoo (10 a.m.–2 p.m.), Story time and guest favorite Kindermusik (12:15 p.m.)
Tasteful Tuesdays Floral Demos
Tuesdays | 11 a.m.
A Tasteful Place
Ever wanted to learn how to make your own floral arrangement or how to pick the best flower from your grocery stores? Looking for a home chef hack to amaze your friends? Every Tuesday a new floral demonstration or food demo is sure to inspire you to step up your at-home game!
September 20: Join the Founders Garden Club for pumpkins, pumpkins everywhere. Which will show how to incorporate this mighty sign of fall into pleasing displays and floral designs
September 27: McShan Florist will create whimsical arrangements using fall florals to add to your Autumn table setting
October 4: Grove Hill Farms demonstrates creative ways to decorate pumpkins, incorporating fairy gardens, succulents, fall foliage and ribbon!
October 11: The Blum Bar demonstrates how to create a whimsical floral arrangement inside of a Cinderella pumpkin. The design uses local grocery store florals so you can easily recreate this ‘straight from a fairy tale’ look for your next tablescape.
October 18: Mcshan Florist designs fall centerpieces using texture and autumn florals with the use of gourds and berries to make your thanksgiving table one to remember!
October 25: Gardenia Event Décor creates a modern garden style arrangement in fall tones using beautifully themed flowers and faux fruit.
Daily Tasting Demos
Tuesdays | 1 p.m.
A Tasteful Place
Join our resident chef, Chef Isabel, as she demonstrates how to prepare the week’s featured recipes, inspired by fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Seasonal Tastings
Daily | 10a.m.–4 p.m.
A Tasteful Place
Try three different samples featuring a hero vegetable, fruit or herb from the garden. Fitting with our festival theme, our insect-inspired recipes are sure to captivate your family’s taste buds, too – but, don’t worry, no real bugs were harmed in the making of these recipes. Visit dallasarboretum.org/recipes for the full list of recipes.
Wind Down Wednesdays
Wednesdays | 3–5 p.m.
Three Sisters Overlook or A Tasteful Place
Ages 21+
Join local breweries and wineries on select dates to sample and learn about their local selections.
September 21: Craft beer tasting with Matt Johnston from TUPPS Brewery
October 5: Wine tasting by Hidden Hangar Vineyards & Winery
October 12: Wine tasting by Cork House Winery
October 19: Join Greg Nixon from White Rock Alehouse & Brewery for a craft beer tasting
October 26: TUPPS Brewery is back with some year-round favorites plus Christmas beer!
Chef-tastic Cooking Series
Most Wednesdays and Thursdays | 11 a.m.
A Tasteful Place
Enjoy a demonstration from renowned chefs and restaurants as they take center stage in our demonstration kitchen.
September 21: Chef Nikky Phinyawatana from Asian Mint makes popular Thai street food – summer rolls and Pad Thai, a stir-fried dish made of rice noodles and veggies in a spicy, sweet sauce.
September 22: The Sweet Life Chef with Chef Annie Greenslade. Learn to make a mean Bloody Mary demostration with infusing vodka with fresh herbs and fall flavors.
September 28: Angie Foster from Flour Power Studios. Fall into Cooking! Veggie Cheese Chowder, Cheddar Bay Biscuits, Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
September 29: Chef Jamaal Johnson showcases his Oktoberfest menu: potato pancakes, brats & sauerkraut & German rum balls.
October 5: Chef Amanda Bradford from Bradford Bakery makes a fall harvest: Almond/fig vinaigrette with goat cheese, diced butternut squash and beets, served with arugula/frisée salad; Bouchee: Puff pastry filled with turkey, dried fruit, seasonal vegetables; Pumpkin cheesecake with candied pumpkin seeds and cinnamon cream.
October 12: Tiffini Adams from The Crumb Well Bakery will demonstrate peach cobbler cupcakes and triple layer brownies.
October 19: Learn to make more Thai favorites! Chef Nikky from Asian Mint is back to create Thai fried rice and tom yum lemongrass and shrimp soup.
Weekend Beer & Wine Tastings
September 17 | 2–4pm: Wine tasting by Cork House Winery with Karla Gibbon
September 18 | 2–4pm: Craft beer tasting with Craig Bradley from Vector Brewing Company featuring Oktoberfest beer and other favorites
September 24 | 1–3pm: Wine tasting with Jess the Wine Lady from WineWithMe, showcasing fall sangria
October 1 | 2–4pm: Oak Highlands Brewery tasting with Ryan Childers
Learn to Grow Horticulture Presentation
Fridays | 11 a.m.
A Tasteful Place
Presented by the North Texas Master Gardeners and the Dallas Arboretum Horticultural Staff. Enjoy special tips and presentations on summer and autumn gardening.
September 23: David and Linda Hampton from Mother’s Garden – Tips on how to attract honeybees to your garden
September 30: Bonsai Society of Dallas – Tips and tricks on how to make bonsai thrive. Plant Sale: September 30–October 1
October 7: Vice President of Gardens Dave Forehand- All things pumpkins, squash and gourds and his favorite picks for decorating—and eating!
October 14: Monarch Butterflies – Discuss how to distinguish monarchs from other orange butterflies, learn their life cycle and migration patterns.
October 21: Join the Dallas Gourd Patch for their Annual Show as they display their intricate gourd and squash handicrafts!
October 28: Texas Triffid Ranch—An overview of carnivorous house plants! Plus, take home a collection of your own at their plant sale: October 28–October 30.

Seasonal Programming
Come to one of our many free, seasonal activities happening this fall.
Guided Pumpkin Hike
Each Wednesday
10:00 a.m.
Meet at the Lakeside Exhibit Area Pumpkin Patch
Join our Dallas Arboretum volunteers for a guided hike through the Lakeside Exhibit Area as we discover the unique and varied pumpkins that make Autumn at the Arboretum come to life.
Dallas Gourd Patch
Thursdays | 10am–3pm
Main Entry Plaza
The Dallas Gourd Patch returns with weekly displays and demos of their spectacular squash art. Watch inspiring demonstrations by the Dallas Gourd Patch as gourds are transformed into jewelry and decorative homewares, available for guests to purchase.
Memory Garden Fall Series
9AM
Sewell Boardroom
Fall Series 1: September 2, 16, 23, and 30
Fall Series 2: October 21, 28 & November 11 & 18
Series of four classes for those in the early to middle stages of Dementia or Alzheimer’s. Pre-registration is required.
Sponsored by the AWARE Foundation & the Darrell K Royal Research Foundation
What’s in Bloom Walk
September 22–October 27
Thursdays from in the Main Garden Entry Plaza
Join a member of our horticulture team each Thursday for a 30-minute walk featuring his top weekly picks of blooming plants.
Window to the Wild Bird Flight Show
September 25 & October 1 and 16
10:30-11:30am
Martin Rutchik Concert Stage & Lawn
Join Window to the Wild for a 45-minute outdoor educational flight training show and see some of their feathered friends that served as inspiration for many famous children’s cartoon characters.
Oktoberfest
September 24 &25
Explore the German cultural tradition of Oktoberfest with a selection of German foods, beer and even the German language!
International Coffee Day Celebration
October 1
A Tasteful Place
Celebrate the world’s favorite roasted fruit: coffee! A Tasteful Place is filled coffee-centric vendors to help get your caffeine fix.
Country Critters 3 Little Pigs
October 1 & 2
Pumpkin Village
Join fan-favorite Country Critters as they bring out the adorable three little pigs for a photo-op.
Mighty Beans
October 1–8
10am–3pm
Near Jack and the Beanstalk house
Beans aren’t just for growing magical giant beanstalks. Sample the delicious and nutritious edamame beans (and more) from Mighty Beanz. Then, purchase some to take home for your new favorite treat.
Pumpkin Stacking Contest
October 8
12:00–2:00 p.m.
DeGolyer Pergola
Join us for our adult and children’s bracket as we stack miniature pumpkins to compete for concert tickets. We want to see how high you can make them, so bring your A-game!
Fall Vendor Market & Craft Fair
October 8 & 9
10am–3pm
Main Entry Plaza
Shop locally at two dozen local vendors for a delectable array of fall treats and artisan gifts as you stroll the gardens.
Dallas Gourd Patch Annual Show
October 15
10am–3pm
A Tasteful Place
Explore the Dallas Gourd Patch’s specular show featuring stunning carved, painted and embellished gourds. The group also sells these creations.
Diwali Pop-up
October 22 & 23
10am-3pm
Pumpkin Village
Join us for activities commonly enjoyed during the Diwali festival of lights. Enjoy Classical Indian Dancing with Pavitra Kumar, henna artistry (nominal fee), plus handmade pottery, handicrafts and food for purchase inspired by Diwali and classic children’s tales.
Halloweekend
October 29 & 30
Don’t miss the annual Halloween blowout weekend with trick-or-treating throughout the garden, a petting zoo and live music on the Martin Rutchik Concert Stage & Lawn. Get your costumes out for our “Dress like a Fairy Tale” contest on Saturday and Sunday for your chance to win tickets to Holiday at the Arboretum.

Paid Events & Classes
Learn from experts during one of our great classes or attend a fun event!
Cook with Heart with Cindy Kleckner
October 2 | 12-3pm
A Tasteful Place
Adult member $65
Adult guest $75
Get all the secrets of heart healthy eating from Cindy Kleckner, author of the DASH Diet for Dummies. The menu includes Grilled Macadamia Nut-Citrus Crusted Salmon Salad with Roasted Red Peppers and Capers with Sherry Vinaigrette, Ancient Grain Salad with Dried Cherries, Mint and Feta and Mixed Berry Walnut Crisp. Healthy cooking and taste can co-exist.
International Fall Soul Cooking with Chef Jamaal Johnson
October 9 | 11am – 1pm
A Tasteful Place
Adult member $65
Adult guest $75
Dallas Arboretum regular Chef Jamaal Johnson presents Cooking for Fall. Pumpkin & Potatoes: Pumpkin Chicken Curry, Sweet Potatoes with Bacon and Bourbon and Patatas Bravas—olive oil fried potatoes with a deliciously spicy sauce.
Classic Mexican Dishes with Chef Mollie G
October 15| 11am – 1pm
A Tasteful Place
Adult member $65
Adult guest $75
Food and Wine alumna and MasterChef contestant Chef Mollie G returns with some classic Mexican comfort foods. Learn to make Braised Chicken with Pipián Verde– a green mole sauce made with pumpkin seeds and fresh herbs paired with roasted root vegetables.
Fall Comfort Foods with Chef Amanda Bradford of Bradford Bakery
October 20 | 11am-1pm
A Tasteful Place
Adult member $65
Adult guest $75
Chef Amanda Bradford of Bradford Bakery teaches how to make Warm Brussels Sprout Salad with bacon, caramelized onion, savoy cabbage and reduced balsamic dressing; Mushroom Pasta with Chicken, Brown Butter Sauce and Breadcrumbs; Chocolate Pot du Creme with Candied Nuts and Chantilly Cream.
Kids Halloween Cooking Class With Angie Foster of Flour Power Studios
October 23 | 12-1:30pm
A Tasteful Place
Child member (with an adult): $35
Child guest (with an adult): $45
Additional child: $15
Join Angie Foster of Flour Power Studios for a ghoulishly great kid’s class featuring: Mummy Dogs, Chocolate Cauldron Cookie Cups and Color Changing Lemonade.
Trick or Treating
October 29 & 30 | 6–9pm
Children’s Adventure Garden
$8 for members
$10 for guests
Don’t miss out on a special spooky late night at the Rory Meyer’s Children’s Adventure Garden with tricks and treats at every turn! Come in costume for trick or treat stations (select galleries open), a spooky maze tour, special mad scientist lab, and much more! Adults, please do not wear costume masks.
Día de Muertos Specialties with Chef Diana Zamora
October 29| 11am-1pm
A Tasteful Place
Adult member $79
Adult guest $89
Celebrate Día de Muertos with Chef Diana Zamora, a local pastry expert and owner of Nena Postreria. Make Mexican sweet bread pan de muerto, tamales de elote and Mexican style hot chocolate champurrado. Don’t miss your chance to join this one-of-a-kind class.
Wine and Cheese Pairing Class presented by the Mozzarella Company
October 30| 1-3pm
A Tasteful Place
Adult member age 21+ $79
Adult guest age 21+ $89
Learn to pair cheese and wine at a seated class with an organized array of artisanal cheese and wines served (6 to 8 cheese and 5 to 6 wines). This fun, educational and interactive class is led by a Cheese Expert from the Mozzarella Company and Wine Expert, John Bratcher of Two Wine Guys. The class begins with a cocktail party!

Live Music & Entertainment
Enjoy live music and entertainment on the below dates!
Jeanne’s Pavilion
12pm–2pm
Relax, have a seat and enjoy a picnic while you listen to musical entertainment at Jeanne’s Pavilion. Every Saturday and Sunday, we have local solo piano acts playing today’s hits and old favorites. Additional dates and times indicated below.
September 17: Scott Willis
September 18: Ricky Carr
September 24: North Richland Hills Baptist | 11 a.m.
Scott Ayers |12–2 p.m.
September 25: Rebecca Cordes
October 1: Matthew Babineaux
October 2: Ricky Carr
October 7: Paul Salvie, Accordionist
October 8: Matthew Babineaux
October 9: Ricky Carr
October 10: Carly Carroll
October 15: Scott Ayres
October 16: Rebecca Cordes
October 19: Sunshine Dulcimer | 10:00 a.m.
October 22: Scott Willis
October 23: Ricky Carr
October 29: Scott Willis
October 30: Ricky Carr
Martin Rutchik Concert Stage & Lawn
2pm–4pm
Join us each weekend of Blooms for our favorite local acts. Load up the family, grab a picnic lunch and relax with great lake views every Saturday and Sunday.
September 17: The Closers, Blues Band
September 18: Six of the Matter, Country, Rock and Today’s Hits
September 24: Counterfeit Radio, ‘70s Hits to Today
September 25: Backhand Sally, Americana/Country Rock
October 1: Ashmore, Classic Rock
October 2: The Quibble Brothers, Country and Bluegrass
October 7: Reckless Angels, Rock from ‘60s to Today
October 8: Epic Unplugged, Greatest Rock Hits
October 9: The Rock, ‘80s Musical and Rock
October 10: The Jukebox Heroes, Top 40 Hits
October 15: Groovadelix, Classic Hits
October 16: The Coppertones, Old School Rock and Soul
October 22: Captain & Camille, Smooth ‘70s Hits
October 23: The Vinyl Countdown, Arena Rock
October 29: The Blandelles, Classic Rock
October 30: XFactor, Party Band

Family Fun Weekends
Join us for these family fun weekends filled with entertainment!
Each Family Fun Weekend features these family favorites: Country Critters Petting Zoo from 10am-2pm; family keepsake photos from 10am-2pm on select Saturdays taken by the Dallas Arboretum Volunteer Advisory Board (VAB) for a donation to the VAB. Enjoy the vendor markets, special guests and activities for the whole family. And, of course, live entertainment features pianists at Jeanne’s Pavilion from 12-2pm and Dallas’ Best Party Bands from 2-4pm on the Martin Rutchik Concert Stage & Lawn.
DISD Fair Day
October 7–10
On Friday, enjoy live entertainment from Paul Salvie at Jeanne’s Pavilion from 12-2pm and Reckless Angels on the Martin Rutchik Concert Stage & Lawn from 2-4pm. Also, Friday and Saturday, stop by the Pumpkin Village and fuel up with a snack from Mighty Beans as they sell flavored edamame. Saturday and Sunday, Stroll through our fall vendor market and craft fair located in the Entry Plaza from 10am-3pm. For those who like a challenge, we host a pumpkin stacking contest on Saturday to see who can stack the most pumpkins! Winners receive Cool Thursday Concert tickets. After your shopping spree Saturday, listen to some relaxing piano music at Jeanne’s Pavilion by Scott Willis followed by a concert on the Martin Rutchik Concert Stage & Lawn by Epic Unplugged. Don’t forget to stop in A Tasteful Place for a beer tasting by Four Corners Brewing Co. Family Fun Weekend continues on Sunday with the fall vendor market and craft fair, as well as music by Ricky Carr at Jeanne’s Pavilion and The Rock at the Martin Rutchik Concert Stage & Lawn. To end the fun weekend, enjoy Carly Carroll from 12-2pm at Jeanne’s Pavilion and The Jukebox Heroes from 2-4pm on the Martin Rutchik Concert Stage & Lawn.
Veteran’s Day
November 11–13
Thanksgiving
November 25–27
Discounts
BOGO Wednesdays
September 21–October 26 • 9am–5pm
Buy one, get one admission every Wednesday. Discount automatically applies to qualifying purchase during online checkout.
CC Young Senior Thursdays
September 22–October 27 • 9am–5pm
Seniors 65 and older get $1 off general garden admission on Thursdays and receive a 20% discount in the Hoffman Family Gift Store. Discount automatically applies to qualifying purchase during online checkout.
See the beauty of Autumn at the Arboretum
Sponsors
Autumn at the Arboretum is presented by Reliant








See everything autumn has to offer
Membership
A New Experience Each Week
As a member of the Dallas Arboretum, you’ll experience unique seasonal events throughout the year and get access to members-only opportunities.